The Washington critic., 1887-02-01
QUEEN VI0LET--A FABLE.

For years the kings of the meadow
had been chosen from the Golden rod
family, because they were tall and
strong and loved to rule. Some of
them did well, others were iyrannical
or careless, and all were fond of money
and power, as their names showed;
but the flowers never dared TO propose
having any one else, because this had
been the custom so long.
Now, there were a great many, A'.
ters of every kind and color, from the
little white stars low in the grass TO
the stately sprays waving their purple
plumcs over the mossy wall that in
closed the meadow. Those growing
along the roadside saw and heard
what went on in the world, and were
wise, energetic creatures, anxious to
set things right everywhere. SO they
began to say to their nelghbors one
autumn, as the time for election drew
near
1--WE have had Kings long enough,
Let us try n Queen now, and reform
certain very important matters which
are always neglected by the Golden.
rods, who care only for feasting and
fighting and having their own way.
Let us all vote for our Violet who
grows over there In the palace, and
would make wise, good Queen"
At this proposal the arlstocratic
Cardinal Flowers were shocked, and
grew red with shame; the Fringed
Gentians shut their blue eyes and
nearly tainted at the bold idea, and
Clematis hid her face In the grass, that
she might not see the unfemininc
creatures who dared suggest such a
thing. But the late Clovers anl But.
tercups, being honest, supplemented
flowers, cried: "Yes, yes, let us do 1t,
and give the Asters q turn, as It is only
fair"
And the Forefathcrs' Cup, which
grew all over the field added
1--WE shall vote for Violet. 1t is
time the dreadful intempcrance of the
bees among the wild grapes should be
stopped, that snakes should no longer
be allowed to charm and kill the In
nocent birds, that the battles of the
ants should end, and more peace, or
der and economy be introduced into
our public affairs. The Astcrs are des.
cended from the stars and so are very
wise; they are also just and gentle aud
we all love them. Let us try queen,
and sec If we cannot make the meadow
what 1t should be"
The Forcia,hers' Cup were much re.
spected by all the plants, because they
came over in the Mayhower, were
very hospitablc, with their green and
al Al, Ill AIT
lived the frost, like fine old family as
they were.
So when they spoke up for the As.
tiers, no one dared say much, though
the Golden rods ragged among them
selves and openly laughed at such
nonsense There was great excite.
ment, and all the flowers nodded and
rustled as If a gale was blowing, as
they talked the matter over and de.
cided how they would vote. The
naughty Cardinals declined to vote
at all, so did the Gentians, and delicate
Clematis declared that she only wanted
something 10 cling to and obey, and
never could consent to be Queen.
But the Clovers aud Buttercups, the
Pitcher Plant and all the Asters voted
bravcly for Violet, and the Maple Tree
that stood In the middle of the field
dropped little red leaf that had V
on II as the wind went about collecting
votes, which surprised the flowers
very much, us such thing had never
happened before, and all regarded the
beautiful tree as their court poet 1t
made such lovely music high above
them. Even the old, green Rock at
the foot of the Maple gave bit of its
lichen for Violet TO the great wrath of
the Grapevine, who kept drinking
aoon for the dissipated bees on its
sunny side.
Of course the Golden rods all voted
for their handsome relative, a fine, tall
plant who happened to grow.near the
Purple Aster under the Maple tree
which was called the palace. But the
other side won, and Violet was pro.
claimed queen with great rejoicing by
all her friends and neighbors, to the
great dsmuy OF the foolish flowers who
wanted the world to stand still.
"What are we coming to ?" groauel
the Cardinals, red with rage.
Utter destruction" Croaked the
Crows, Tapping away to carry the bad
news elsewhere.
: I'VE will never visit her." declared
the Gentians, shaking their fringej as
If the mere thought soilcd them.
Coarse. unfeminine creature 10 dare
TO rule alone 1t makes nc faint tc
look at her." sighed Clcmalis, pcepinG
up all the same, full Of curiosity to sol
how handsome Golden rod took hi,
downfall.
lie tossed his yellow head In sc,rn
full silence and never once looked oven
the tuit Of ferns Il a grew between hin
and the new queen.
1T won't last long; she can't reign
alone and soon will be ready to give II
up. These silly things will learn q
good lesson, aud be glad to get mt
back So III preserve my dignity and
bidc my time" he said to his friends
for he was a fine fellow, only he did
not know yet what Asters could dc
when they had the power, and 1t wa
lie who learned the lesson, us we shal
. see.
Every one thought that the queen,
head would be turned with this sudden
change, and that great festivities
would be held in honor of it, so the
Cardinals and Gentians half regretted
their resolution not to visit the palace
since they would lose all chance oI
sharing in the splondor and showing
their lovely robes,
But Violet lived very quietly behind
the tall ferns, and was so busy attend
ing to the affairs Of her kingdom tha
she had no time for banqucts. She
asked advice of the Maple Tree aud
the wise old Rock and soon bcpnn The